Born in Maryland, Claude attended University of New Mexico, where he met his future wife, for a year before entering the Naval Academy in 1966. He selected Marine Air on service selection night. After graduation in 1970, he went to the Marine Corps Basic School in Quantico, VA. He then was assigned to NAS Pensacola, for flight training. At the time of his death he was attached to VT-2 at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL. LT Conner was to have reported to Ellison Field after Christmas leave.
1/Lt. Claude Wayne Conner, USMC, was killed in an aircraft accident at Whiting Field in Milton, Fl., on 16 December 1971. It was his last scheduled flight. His instructor was killed also.
Surviving are his widow, Janice, 8610 Candelaria Rd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Conner, also of Albuquerque
Updated: October 31, 2018
Curator: Ed Moore